Q Maters impressed soccer lovers when they emerged as the new King Dimbanyika Cup champions, after beating their young brothers, Rabali Pull Together, 2-1in their final match at a packed Rabali Stadium on Sunday.
The score is not a true reflection of the game as Masters were dictating terms in all departments throughout the game. Pull Together would have taken the lead in the 10th minute, had it not been for the fact that Pfarelo Masakona´s goal was disallowed. Tshilidzi Doboro combined well with Mpho Marobololo and Thomas Thangwana at the forefront. Doboro committed a big blunder when he shot straight to Pull Together’s stranded keeper, Avhatakali Muzil, in the 28th minute. Although Muzila was already well beaten, Doboro chose to turn and shoot straight to him, instead of chipping the ball and tapping it into the empty net.
Masters took the lead in the 36th minute. Bambley Musekwa caught the Pull Together keeper, Avhatakali Muzila, off guard and blasted in a half volley from inside the box.
Pull Together missed two clear chances early in the second half. Reckson Managa was the culprit in both instances. Masters utilized their substitution chance when they introduced Mike Radzilani for Rendani Mudau. Radzilani added more life to the fading midfield for Masters with his dribbling skills. Pull Together were forced to effect a change to their starting line-up when they replaced their injured defender, Vhutshilo Masindi with Rabelani Muofhe in the 40th minute.
A midfielder of Masters, Tshilidzi Doboro, was booked for tackling Mike Radzilani from behind. Pull Together’s solitary goal came in the 56th minute via Radebe Rambuwani. He received a neat pass from Braidoh Radzilani and sent in a ground cutter. The home side did not have enough time to celebrate their goal. Their opponents scored a minute thereafter. Mike Radzilani forced his way through Pull Together’s defence and beat the keeper hands down.
Although Pull Together used all their replacement chances later in the game, this did not stop Masters from leaving with the trophy, R15 000, new kit and gold medals. The second positioned Rabali Pull Together, who are still fresh from collecting R30 000 as the champions of Safa Vhembe Total Cup, went home with R7 000, silver medals and a new kit. The two teams lost in the semifinals, Maelula New Mates, the current champions of the Sir Tshiluvhu Altec Auto Page competiton and Vhulaudzi Fire Boys received R5 000 each and the four teams that lost in the quarterfinals went home with R1 000 each.